Sporting KC trades Jewsbury to Portland Timbers

Jack Jewsbury’s eight-year run with Sporting Kansas City has come to an end.

Jewsbury, a 29-year old midfielder, was traded to the expansion Portland Timbers for allocation money on Tuesday.

Jewsbury – who was taken in the fifth round of the 2003 draft, was the second-longest tenured player on the team, behind midfielder and captain Davy Arnaud.

“This was not an easy decision. Jack has spent eight years with Kansas City, representing the organization on and off the field with class,” Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said in a statement. “I understand that it might sound cliché, but we really do wish Jack all the best and sincerely thank him for what he accomplished with this club and in this city.”

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Jewsbury endured a difficult 2010, as he opened the season as a starter but lost playing time to Craig Rocastle as the season went on as the latter round into shape.

Jewsbury entered camp this season in superb shape, and said in January that the way last season unfolded motivated him to make sure 2011 would not be a repeat performance.

However, it appears he didn’t do enough to save his job – or a roster spot, for that matter.

Jewsbury said in a statement that he’s leaving the team on good terms.

“The eight years in Kansas City have been unbelievable,” Jewsbury said. “I’ll never forget all the great times with the team. The ownership over the past few years has been fantastic, taking the team in a new direction with the new stadium and re-brand. So on that end, it’s bittersweet. I’ve made lifelong friends in Kansas City and I’ll never forget the fan support I had all these years.”

Jewsbury, who scored two goals last year, finishes his Sporting KC career with 15 goals and 21 assists in 204 appearances.